Lisandro Martinez’s outstanding Manchester United form has caught the eye of Ian Wright, the Premier League legend expressing his admiration for the one-time Arsenal target on Match of the Day (4th February, 10.30pm).
When Jeffrey Schlupp halved the deficit with around 20 minutes to go during Saturday’s nerve-shredding clash between Man United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford – the hosts reduced to ten-men following Casemiro’s contentious red card – an equaliser felt something of an inevitability.
That was, of course, until Lisandro Martinez went all ‘Beast Mode’.
The World Cup winner was everywhere in the closing stages; blocking, tackling, clearing, rallying. If Man United have lacked leadership, hunger and a never-say-die spirit in recent seasons, then Martinez perhaps epitomises the Erik ten Hag era like no one else.
Manchester United beat Arsenal to Lisandro Martinez
“That defender, man,” Wright sighed after a resurgent United secured three of the hardest-earned points. “Martinez at the back, he is something.”
Even at £57 million, the Argentina international already feels a bargain. Arguably Man United’s most transformative addition – alongside Casemiro of course – since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement a decade ago.
“(Martinez’s move from Ajax to Manchester) was a process of several months. We had contact with various top clubs. And, in the end, Ten Hag’s presence at United played an important role,” says Bas Schothorst, one of the 25-year-old’s representatives (Voetbal Primeur).
“That makes sense. Ten Hag knows him, has worked with him (at Ajax) and knows what he can do with Martinez. It is of course great to see that this leads to his current achievements.
“On the other hand, Arsenal is also a great club. But you have to make a choice. It is difficult.”
Arsenal, Premier League leaders under Mikel Arteta, saw £26 million and £34 million bids rejected before Manchester United won the race; the Gunners’ interest confirmed by both Ajax CEO Edwin Van der Sar and Ten Hag himself.
“Licha called me at one point (and said); ‘Coach, listen, I’m leaving Ajax anyway. I can sign with Arsenal but, if you want me, I’ll go to Manchester United’,” Ten Hag explains.
“Then I thought; ‘I shouldn’t shoot myself, and United, in the foot’. Then, we struck and it all worked out.”
Then again, as outstanding as Martinez has been, it’s not as if Arsenal are missing him all too keenly. Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have been perhaps the Premier League’s finest centre-half partnership this term, with January signing Jakub Kiwior providing added competition in reserve.
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